Originally posted by sharepointalex I know in hindsight I should have not paid. Sure am away at the moment so will post a pic when I get back - might help you guys decide what cleaning it will need. Just want to get it sorted now the easiest and cheapest way possible.
Personally, I wouldn't have given him one cent. Cleaning a sensor is a piece of cake if you do it right, and a camera repair guy should definitely know how to do it.
I have the Opteka TAC cleaner you ordered, and while it may help, it's not entirely effective and can leave residue that you'll have to clean off. After trying the Opteka cleaner, a Sensor Pen, and just a blower,
here's what I've found works the best, hands down. It's quicker, safer, easier, cheap, and doesn't get crud on the sensor.
Here's more info on the method I use. It takes around 2 minutes & is a piece of cake.
Also, if you don't already have one, you should pick up a
Giottos Rocket Blower. The large one works the best. It's one of my favorite pieces of kit and well worth the $15.
Dust on a sensor is just a fact of life for DSLR owners, unfortunately. I was leery of cleaning the sensor too, until I did it. It's no big deal, you just have to use common sense... And don't put aftershave on it! :-P
Good luck,
Bob :-)